Minor Leagues Ratify Contract

By CLAIRE SMITH

Published: December 14, 1990

The minor leagues voted by the narrowest of margins to ratify a new agreement that substantially changes their relationship with major league baseball. The close vote, announced yesterday, came despite the fact that the executive board of the National Association, the minors' governing body, had unanimously endorsed the settlement less than a week ago.

The minor league ratification came two days after the owners of the 26 major league teams ratified the agreement. The joint approval ends what had been five months of often-bitter negotiations. The duration of the agreement is seven years, but it may be opened for renegotiation by either side after three years.

According to the National Association regulations, 75 percent approval of the minor leagues is required for passage. Of the 36 votes available to the 16 voting leagues, 27 were needed to ratify. That is the number the proposal received. And three leagues -- the Class AAA American Association, the Class AA Southern League and the Class A Carolina League -- voted outright to reject the new Professional Baseball Agreement.

"The vote reflects the mood of our people, one of caution and concern," Sal Artiaga, commissioner of the National Association, said from his headquarters in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Marvin Goldklang, an owner of four minor league teams and a proponent of the settlement, said: "My sense is that the voters opposing the agreement, feel the effect of the agreement would be to depress franchise values and possibly force some people out of business."

The minor leagues note that the biggest change in the relationship is one that will have the majors receiving 5 percent of their gate starting in 1992.

However, major league officials, citing increased support in other areas, have estimated that the new deal will cost the majors money, not make money. According to the major league forecasts, the additional cost of supporting a farm system could rise $50,000 per team per year.